From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-10-11 23:25:15 UTC
Subject: RE: Advice needed
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <980150.1097537115532.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
> I hope it is nothing much, but Mark wanted
>to know what it could be and unfortunately,
>adrenal gland disease is on top of the list.
> Patty K
Patty is right. In the U.S. this is extremely common, and the location and pattern -- bilateral fur loss over the sacrum are pretty well classic for adrenal disease. Yes, there is variation among individuals and cases but remember what happens if adrenal disease is neglected. It continues to grow and the complications such as life-threatenting anemia, prostate swelling and even eventually prostatic cysts resulting in dysuria, etc. increase. So does discomfort, from the itchiness, from fat redistributing often to create a more pear shaped ferret, and so on. Yes, a knowledgable vet is the first step, but it is good to be informed beforehand and I applaud the poster for that choice.